Conewango is known for its Amish heritage and scenic landscapes
Conewango, home to the oldest and largest Amish settlement in New York, provides rural living and proximity to the outdoors. Located in Cattaraugus County, the town gets its name from the local Native American tribe’s word for “walking slowly.” Most of the town consists of farmland and forest pockets on the rolling hills created by the Allegheny Mountains, which is why this region is also called the “Enchanted Mountains of Western New York.” It’s one of the northernmost stops on the Amish Trail, a 160-mile tour through the county’s Amish communities. The town's Amish shops are a draw not only for Conewango residents, but also for tourists and the entire county.
Hiking in Harris Hill State Forest, birdwatching in the wetlands
Harris Hill State Forest is just west of town with a network of over 4 miles of hiking trails. Bird watching is a popular pastime at the Conewango Swamp Wildlife Management Area, which makes up nearly 1,000 acres of wetlands. Locals also go out of their way to make the 20-mile trip to Allegany State Park, the largest park in New York at 65,000 acres. There are 18 miles of marked trails and an additional 80 miles of unmarked paths for biking and horseback riding. There are also sports facilities, playgrounds and a swimming lake in the park's Quaker Area.
Traditional homes on spacious lots line Route 62
Traditional homes like Nationals and ranch-style properties sit along U.S. Route 62. Houses tend to be separated by quarter-acre to 5-acre lots that give more privacy. Some homes have detached garages, but most people park in their driveways. Properties typically sell for around $100,000 to about $300,000.
Randolph Central School District earns a B
Kids can attend Randolph Central School District, which earns a B from Niche. Gail N. Chapman Elementary teaches kindergarten through sixth grade and earns a B. Randolph Junior/Senior High gets a B-minus overall and an A-minus in the sports category. The school's boys' basketball team won its first state championship in 2023.
Amish businesses throughout town, essentials in Randolph
The town features dozens of Amish businesses selling everything from fresh produce and goods to furniture and woodwork. One of the most popular stops is the Valley View Cheese Company, which stocks more than 40 varieties, as well as homemade jams and baked goods. Top’s Friendly Market is 7 miles south in Randolph for essentials. Randolph also has locally owned eateries like R&M Restaurant, which serves American favorites in a country atmosphere.
Thunder Mountain Artisan Faire set to be an annual event
The town held its first Thunder Mountain Artisan Faire in 2025 and plans for it to be an annual event. This market festival features handmade crafts along Route 62. There’s also an annual Amish Relief Auction where locals can bid on Amish-made wares. One of the region’s biggest events, the weeklong Cattaraugus County Fair in July, is just 13 miles east in Little Valley. The fair draws people with amusement rides and animal exhibits, as well as live entertainment like demo derbies and monster trucks.
Route 62 connects to I-86
Route 62 connects to the rest of the county. It also runs 10 miles south to Interstate 86, which gets commuters to distant hubs like Erie, Pennsylvania. Because of the town’s sizable Amish population, horse-drawn buggies are a frequent sight along local roadways. UPMC Chautauqua is the closest hospital and is 18 miles south. The closest airport, Buffalo Niagara International, is 58 miles north.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
